NOTE: Due to a server issue, the status map on the Alberta Wildfire App is not updating. Please use the wildfire status map on the Alberta Wildfire webpage for current locations. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and are working to resolve the issue.
The wildfire danger remains at VERY HIGH in the Edson Forest Area.
Due to heavy smoke, forecasted winds and low visibility in the area, a FIRE ADVISORY has been issued for the area effective Thursday Aug 9th at 12:00 noon.
No new fire permits will be issued for heavy or non-essential burning. Existing fire permits are still valid, but no burning is to take place outside of the permit conditions.
What is allowed:
- Safe wood campfires in campgrounds (within fire rings), backyards, or random camping areas
- Charcoal briquettes
- Portable propane fire pits
- Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
- Catalytic or infrared-style heaters
Off-Highway Vehicles can start wildfires – check frequently to ensure hotspots are free of debris, and make sure mufflers and spark arrestors are working properly.
Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished.
The Fire Advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.
For more information on fire advisories or fire bans, please visit our website.
IMAGE: The wildfire danger remains very high in our area and heavy equipment are ready to respond to any new wildfires.
FireSmoke Canada
For many residents of the EFA, heavy smoke has hovered over their homes. The smoke over our area is not produced by any current wildfires in Alberta. For those of you wondering where the smoke is coming from, you have a useful tool at your disposal.
FireSmoke Canada is a portal for information and resources about smoke from wildland fires. This service can produce forecasts of hourly ground-level concentrations of smoke from wildfires up to 48 hours in advance.
For information on local smoke, check out firesmoke.ca and click on the forecast map.
If you have smoke related health concerns, please contact Alberta Health Link at 811.
Build a safe campfire & never leave it unattended
A campfire should be built on level ground near water and should be sheltered from the wind. If water isn't nearby, keep a large pail already filled with water within reach. Under the right conditions, wind can pick up sparks or embers and ignite a wildfire.
Whether you're going to bed, going out for a short hike or heading home, your campfire must be extinguished before you leave it, to prevent wildfires. Under the Government of Alberta's Forest and Prairie Protection Act, you can be charged and fined for violations.
Call 310-FIRE
We ask for your assistance in reporting smoke or flame in the forest by calling 310-FIRE (3473).
Here are some tips to consider when reporting a wildfire:
- Where is the fire?
- How is the fire burning?
- Other relevant information.
For further information on how to report a wildfire, click here.
WILDFIRE SITUATION | August 10, 2018
Edson Forest Area:
There are currently 1 wildfire, EWF077 - UC. Since March 1, 2018 there have been 99 wildfires in the EFA that have burned approximately 1,302 hectares in total.
Provincial Stats:
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There are currently 24 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. 1 is out of control, 7 are being held, 13 are under control and 3 have been turned over to the responsible parties.
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Since March 1, 2018, Alberta has recorded 1105 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area that have burned a total of 50,661 hectares.
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Agriculture and Forestry has the following resources deployed on wildfires or pre-positioned across the province ready to action new wildfires: 807 firefighters, 86 helicopters, heavy equipment and 17 airtankers.
For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca
EWF-077 (Quigley Creek Wildfire) - Classified as Under Control at 1,274 hectares in size.
The fire is currently Under Control, meaning the wildfire is completely contained and will be extinguished. The fire will be monitored for hotspots until it's classified as extinguished.
WILDFIRE PREVENTION TIPS
Albertans are always asked to use caution when out working or enjoying the forest within the Forest Protection Area. Please remember to:
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Get a permit if you're within the Forest Protection Area and you plan on burning with the exception of a campfire. For permit information, Click Here.
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Clear debris from hot spots on your Off-Highway Vehicle.
- Ensure your campfire is out - Soak it, Stir it, Soak it Again.
ALBERTA WILDFIRE INFORMATION
For more information, contact:
Caroline Charbonneau780.740.1341